A proposed Olympic-sized swimming pool in Co Down may not be finished in time for the London 2012 games, a local councillor has claimed.

North Down deputy mayor Ian Parsley said it seemed "unlikely" the £40m facility near Bangor leisure centre would be ready in time for the international sporting event.

Around £15m was awarded to the scheme by Stormont in 2007, and it was hoped the world-class pool would be completed by March 2010, to allow local training to commence.

However, Alliance councillor Mr Parsley, who sits on the local authority's leisure committee, said: "Being honest, it looks very unlikely. We're still in fact on schedule to make it for that time but nevertheless you have to be realistic about these things - given the new financial reality.

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"It's an incredibly complex project so to get the whole thing ready by 2012 is certainly some challenge.

"Realistically, what we are looking at here is a legacy for the Olympics."

It is proposed the scheme will be built at Valentine Playing Fields and will include a 10 lane 50m pool (with two submersible booms to facilitate full international long and short course facilities).

It will also feature a 5m diving pool; facilities for new aquatics clubs such as diving, water polo and synchronised swimming; strength and conditioning suites for swimmers; and full adaptation for Paralympic swimmers.

It would become the Headquarters for Swim Ulster and offer spectator seating for up to 1,500 people.

Tender for the £40m scheme has just been launched.

(PR/JM)